THE children of Eardisley Primary School have been exploring their new natural play area, developed with help from the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust.

The project originally came about in 2012 when the children were asked what they would like to see in their play area at school. Far from the typical brightly coloured modern play equipment, the majority of the children favoured more naturalistic schemes, and particularly liked the notion of having their own wildlife garden. And so, the idea of Eardisley Primary's Nature Area and Club was born.

The school successfully applied for funding from the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust, receiving over £860. The majority of the grant has been used to purchase suitable tools and protective clothing for the children. As Sharon Hatchwell, part of the Friends of Eardisley CE Primary School, explains:

"Previous experience has taught us that the children don't hold back, no matter how wet and muddy it is. The new protective gear means they get really hands-on with the creation of the play area and its upkeep, and the parents are much happier."

The rest of grant has been used to buy a variety of beautiful and insect-attracting plants and flowers, selected by the children with help from a parent gardener, to increase the diversity of the wildlife. They have also purchased a number of reference books so the children can identify and learn more about the plants and wildlife they experience, thus combining both outdoor and indoor learning to further instil a sense of understanding and responsibility for the world around them.

John Garbutt, chairman of the Trust commented: "It's reassuring to see young people actively engaging with the environment around them. We were more than happy to support the dedicated PTA with the development of the project and we wish the school every success in their pursuit of the elusive Woodland Trust Platinum Award."

Anyone within the catchment areas of Wigmore High School, Lady Hawkins' School, Earl Mortimer College and Tenbury High School in Herefordshire, and the Parish of Sherburn-in-Elmet in North Yorkshire is able to apply for funding from the Kingspan Insulation Community Trust, and there is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted. All that is asked is that they meet at least one of the Trust's four objectives which cover conservation, encouraging biodiversity, health and fitness of young people and road safety.

Application forms and details of other local projects that have already been helped by the Trust since it was set up can be viewed on the website: KingspanInsulationCommunityTrust.org.